Calling all Senators....

OK new moms.  Here's a chance to make a difference.  Tucked inside the Senate health care bill is a little nugget that you should know about.  Under the provision, employers would have to provide an unpaid "reasonable break time for nursing mothers" for the first year after giving birth.  Not only that, but workplaces (with 50 or more people) would be required to provide a clean, private place (other than a bathroom) for you to pump.

The provision was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon who cites promoting breastfeeding as a way to cut health costs.  He's right.

Every little bit counts here.  Not only is breastfeeding good for healthcare reform, it's obviously good for the baby.  And if new moms feel their employers are supporting them, they will be more productive.  It's not brain surgery.

BUT, predictably big business sees this as another expense.  So watch for lobbyists who will be hired to squash the provision.

Call your senator and tell them how you feel.  You can make a difference.